Soups
Rehmannia, Sea Solomon's Seal and Ophiopogon Soup (Sheng Di Hai Yu Zhu Mai Dong Tang)
traditionally associated with nourishing yin, clearing heat, calming the mind, and supporting thyroid balance
Why people make this soup
Thyroid imbalance is increasingly common, and it tends to show up in two opposite directions. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms like a racing heart, trembling hands, bulging or irritated eyes, throat tightness, and heat intolerance. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) tends toward fatigue, puffiness, cold limbs, poor memory, and low vitality. While these conditions need proper medical management, Chinese food therapy has long offered a gentle complementary approach built around nourishing yin and clearing excess heat — a pattern that underlies both presentations, just to different degrees.
This soup is made from four classical yin-nourishing ingredients and is unusually versatile: Bro Niu notes it is suitable whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive, because it addresses the underlying yin-deficiency pattern rather than pushing the balance in one particular direction.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a diagnosed thyroid imbalance (either direction) who want a gentle dietary complement alongside their medical treatment
- Anyone with yin-deficiency symptoms: dry mouth, warm palms, mild restlessness, or light night sweats
- People with high blood pressure can use this soup
- Can be taken during menstruation
- Those with a cold-natured constitution or weak digestion can add 2–3 slices of fresh ginger and cook with chicken instead of water
- If you experience loose stools or increased gas after taking this soup, add poria (fu ling, 5 qian) and white atractylodes (bai zhu, 3 qian) to strengthen the digestion
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh rehmannia (sheng di, Rehmannia glutinosa): The cornerstone of this formula; nourishes yin and cools the blood; specifically suited to patterns of yin deficiency with internal heat.
- Ophiopogon root (mai dong, Ophiopogon japonicus): Nourishes heart and stomach yin; traditionally associated with increasing blood flow to the heart muscle, slowing heart rate, calming the nerves, and supporting immune regulation.
- Sea Solomon’s seal / Solomon’s seal (hai yu zhu / yu zhu, Polygonatum odoratum): Nourishes yin and moistens dryness; can be substituted with regular Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) if the sea variety is unavailable.
- Chinese yam (huai shan, Dioscorea opposita): When combined with ophiopogon and Solomon’s seal, is thought to amplify the effect of generating body fluids and nourishing the stomach.
- Honey dates (mi zao): Naturally sweet; harmonises the formula and makes the soup pleasant to drink.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh rehmannia root (sheng di) | 37 g (1 oz) | |
| Ophiopogon root (mai dong) | 37 g (1 oz) | |
| Sea Solomon’s seal or Solomon’s seal (hai yu zhu / yu zhu) | 37 g (1 oz) | Yu zhu is an acceptable substitute |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | 37 g (1 oz) | |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 3 | |
| Water | 5 bowls (approx. 1.2 L) |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients thoroughly.
- Place everything in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to 2 bowls.
- Drink in two portions throughout the day. Have 2 times per week.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is gentle and nourishing. For those with a cold constitution, add 2–3 slices of ginger and cook with chicken pieces instead — this warms the preparation without negating its yin-nourishing benefits. Eat the soup ingredients as well as drinking the liquid. If your digestion is sensitive and you notice looser stools or bloating after taking this, add poria mushroom and white atractylodes to the formula next time — these will help anchor the dampness.
Separately, for thyroid nodules or lumps that are not requiring surgery, Bro Niu often mentions a complementary formula: summer spike grass (xia ku cao), Zhejiang fritillary bulb (zhe bei mu), and golden monk fruit (jin luo han guo) — these are considered useful for softening and dispersing accumulations in traditional practice. Bro Niu strongly recommends anyone with a diagnosed thyroid condition to also consult a qualified TCM practitioner alongside their medical doctor.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (kam): I had thyroid nodules removed a few years ago and now notice my heart is beating faster. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable. That said, a fast heartbeat can have many causes — sometimes emotional stress alone is enough. Do get it checked properly by your doctor.
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Q (Chi Ieng): Can I substitute regular Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) if I cannot find the sea variety (hai yu zhu)? Bro Niu: Yes, regular Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) is a perfectly fine substitute.
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Q (Kiki): I am 12 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My doctor said no medication for now. Is this soup safe to take during pregnancy? Bro Niu: For pregnancy, please swap the longan (if any is used) for red dates or southern dates (nan zao), as longan is warming and less suitable in pregnancy. Red or southern dates — about 6 pieces — are a better fit; remove the seeds from red dates first.
Published February 8, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
